Perhaps through dating in my 20s, I realized how much I enjoy exploring new restaurants; and frequenting favorite restaurants. What is your favorite restaurant(s)?
My favorite special occasion restaurant is Ruth's Chris. The butter & herb preparation on a 500 degree plate is hard to beat. Also- I consider myself a crab cake aficionado, and Ruth's Chis' crab cakes are my absolute favorite. There are other high-end steakhouses I like (BLT Steak/Prime
https://bltrestaurants.com comes to mind), but those Ruth's Chris crab cakes seem to push Ruth's to the top.
https://www.ruthschris.com
A local favorite is a place near the Meadowlands in North Jersey called Steve's Sizzling Steaks. The place is styled like an old hunting lodge and has been in the same location, with same family ownership since 1936. The steaks are Choice (not Prime), but absolutely delicious. One of the best aspects is that you can't be underdressed. I'll go there in shorts flip-flops; the other is Steve's is as authentic as it gets. I jokingly point out that the place is so old school, the bartender still wears a beeper! If you're ever in the area it's worth a visit.
http://www.steves-sizzling-steaks.com
What are some of your favorites?